The Opelousas courier., 1887-01-29
A SENSIBLE GIRL.

Ill tAAh AAbkAS NAtSAAStAS ~ SASS
have been the first of the graduating
ela's to wear an engagement ring"
It was rather strange. The three girls
sat side by side on the broad veranda of
the AcapelcoH Hotel at Long Branch
Theresa Middleton, tall, handsome and
stylish, with jetty hair, large dark eyes,
and yellow roses in her hair; Sophie
Dean, slight and graceful, a type of the
most exquisite blonde loveliness; and
Blanche Follett, the fitncee of the group,
an insignjf can't chestnut-halrcd lassie,
pretty enough when some n came TO
examine her features, but nothing be-
yond the average.
SLOW o are you to be married,
Blanchca" asked Sophie.
81 don't know. As soon as Guys
father returns from Europe, / suppose"
"And are you to have your trousscau
from Paris? o, dear, l wish it was ],
said, Theresa, enviously. "You schem-
ing little thing! Who would have sus-
you of captivating a rich hus-
band2"
Il don't care whether he is rich or
said Blanche, firing up. II only
know that / love him. That is enough.
cit wouldn't BE- enough for me-" said
Theresa. 81 must have cash as we'll as
But come, girls, it's time to
dress for tea. Those handsome young
Cubans will sit opposite us again, and
even a handkerchief Irritation is better
than nothing. Blanche won't join us,
but we don't care for that"
"What a funny old man, all in snuff
color, that was that sat next us this
at dinnerp laughed Sophie.
'And how he stared at us. I shouldn't
wonder if he were some rich widower."
"Horrid old fogyn said Theresa.
Do 700 know, girls, he has taken the
room next to ours! / saw them carrying
antediluvian trunk in there a little
while ago. DcpeAd upon it he's the
irst cousin to Methusalehl Pm sure /
lon't know what such wretched old
FEATURES want at a place like Long
Branch. Why don't they stay at home
nurse their rheumatism in their own
,ack garrets2'
Hush, Theresa" whispered Miss Fol-
glancing around. HE is sitting
the other bench, just beyond. He
will hear you"
"Who cares if he does2" said Miss
Middleton, insolent in the pride and
flush of her young beauty.
The gray-haired old man who h d
oeen sitting with both hards clasped
yer his gold-headed cane, and his eyes
fixed on he changing glories of
he sunset sea, looked up he.e.
Il suppose, young lady" said he,
you think that the old have no business
Q exist. Perhaps when half q century
r more has rolled over your W head
gu may think differently on The sub
Theresa colo: ed and tossed her head,
Dean Uttered rs she rose and
hook out her founcel muslin robes
preparatory 70 going upstairs, but
Follett fingered behind after
be othef two had swept away and
pleadiagly up in the old nuns
ace.
II hope they hare not hurt your feel
nggs, sir" she said wistfully. ssThey
no harm, only they are young and
mo, my Gear, no." said the old
nan kind "You, at all events, have
g,ntlcr nature and more womanly tenn
.crament.n
The August moon was at the fill that
light, and long after midnight Sophie
nd Theresa were practicing on the
,aitar and singing sentimental songs,
then . waiter tapped at the door with a
nessage.
P.ease, miss, No. 49's compliment {
I'd e has a bad 'eadache and can't sleep,
nd wouldn't The young ladies oblige
i'm by leavin' hof asinging.n
what nonsense r cried Theresa,
Every one is free to do as be
{ she likes in q hotel, I believe.n
Theresa, Z pleaded kind hearted lit
y Blanche, IF the old gentleman has .
aadachen
Pshawi A regular fussy old bach
q, I said Sophie, petulantly, TO spoil
IL practice il tbs Way
For Blanche was resoIute III insisting !
the guitar should be put away, and
the two pretty girls vent grumblng
bed.
What do yosl thinkan exclaimed
'phie. coming ii the next morning,
and radiant from the bath.
Old 50 i sickl The doctor Vas thera
& ~ honr ago. ana ] just saw the
altars caFryiaa ias for bis head.
sne hofd fnFaFla egiad Theress,
*